Candidates for Super Lawyers recognition are identified through peer ballots and independent research. Nominees are graded on a point scale that considers 12 indicators of professional achievement, including experience, representative clients, verdicts and settlements, honors and awards, and pro bono and community service, and the top 5 percent are included in the Super Lawyer list. “Rising Stars” must be 40 or younger or have been in practice for 10 years or fewer, and no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in the state are named to the list.